ABU DHABI: Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, congratulated mothers and children on the occasion of "Emirati Children’s Day," celebrated annually on 15th March.

In a speech marking the occasion, Sheikha Fatima said that Emirati children continue to receive the attention and care of the country, which provides them with security, comfort and protection, as well as education and care.

She added that the UAE leadership has supported women and children, and provided them with means to develop their skills. The UAE, Her Highness added, declared the 15th March to celebrate Emirati children, as a means to highlight their accomplishments, noting the country's commitment to ensure their continued advancement.

Sheikha Fatima went on to say that children are the creators of the future, the leaders of tomorrow, and that the country must exert greater efforts to ensure their health, social and cultural growth and well-being.

Her Highness noted that the UAE, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, has become a leading country in the area of child protection.

The 'Mother of the UAE' pointed out that the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, SCMC, has taken all efforts to ensure children thrive in a healthy environment, via various programmes, workshops, plans and strategies, alongside of local and international bodies, including the made children happy, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, UNICEF.

Sheikha Fatima recalled the establishment of the Consultative Council for Children in 2018. The children's consultative council involves exceptionally talented Emirati children, applying inclusive strategies to involve all youth, where they are able to express their opinions and ideas on how the country can better serve the needs of children and young individuals, and meet with their future aspirations.

At the end of her speech, Sheikha Fatima called on the entire community, especially families and mothers, to support children and ensure their security and comfort is obtained.